General description
Tween® 20 is a nonionic surfactant and
detergent widely applied in molecular biology, biochemical, and life science
research. Its predominant use involves the solubilization of membrane proteins
during the isolation of membrane-protein complexes. Additionally, it serves as
a component in various washing, blocking, dilution, and stabilization buffers.
Additionally, it functions as a reagent for immunohistochemistry, encompassing
techniques like Western blotting and ELISAs. In these applications, Tween 20
plays crucial roles such as preventing non-specific antibody binding,
minimizing background staining, and ensuring the even distribution of reagents.
Surfactants, possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components, fall into
two main categories: ionic, which ionize in water (anionic, cationic, or
ampholytic), and nonionic, which do not ionize. The discussed product is a
nonionic surfactant with diverse applications such as emulsification,
dispersion, solubilization, and detergent use. Additionally, it can serve as a
solubilizer for membrane proteins.
Tween®20 is a polyoxyethylene sorbitol ester that
belongs to the polysorbate family. It is a nonionic detergent having a
molecular weight of 1,225 daltons, assuming 20 ethylene oxide units, 1
sorbitol, and 1 lauric acid as the primary fatty acid. The ethylene oxide
subunits are responsible for the hydrophilic nature of the surfactant, while
the hydrocarbon chains provide the hydrophobic environment. Sorbitol forms the
backbone ring to which the ethylene oxide polymers are attached.[1]
Application
Non-ionic detergent
TWEEN 20 is widely used in biochemical applications. It has
been used:
- As
an emulsifying agent for the preparation of stable oil-in-water
emulsions[2]
- In
pre-extraction of membranes to remove peripheral proteins (used at 2% for
extraction of membrane-bound proteins)[3]
- As a
blocking agent for membrane based immunoassays at a typical concentration
of 0.05%
- For
lysing mammalian cells at a concentration of 0.005 to 0.5%
- Along
with PBS in the dilution of antibodies in immunohistochemistry
technique[4]
- For
washing cells in FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization)
technique[5]
Features and Benefits
- Highly
versatile surfactant for your Life Science and Biochemical research
- Suitable
for sensitive molecular biology research applications
- Tested
for Endonuclease, exonuclease and Rnase′s
- Excellent
solubilising, dispersing and emulsifying agent
Caution
TWEEN 20 may not be stable to autoclaving, particularly with
metal cations in buffer solutions. Autoclaving is not recommended without
testing for changes in properties. TWEEN 20 is heat sensitive and will darken
when exposed to elevated temperatures. Polysorbates have been reported to be
incompatible with alkalis, heavy metal salts, phenols, and tannic acid. They
may also reduce the activity of many preservatives. Aqueous solutions of
polysorbates undergo autoxidation during storage, with changes being catalyzed
by light, increased temperature, and copper sulfate.
Preparation Note
TWEEN 20 is miscible in water (100mg/mL), yielding a clear,
yellow solution. It is also miscible with alcohol, dioxane, and ethyl acetate.
TWEEN 20 is insoluble in liquid paraffin and fixed oils.
Other Notes
For additional information on our range of Biochemicals, please complete this form.
Legal Information
TWEEN is a registered trademark of Croda International PLC
